How to Claim Asylum: A Step-by-Step Guide
Glocal.name Editorial · · 8 min read
Asylum is a legal process, not a favour
The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol define a refugee as someone outside their country who cannot return because of a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group. Claiming asylum is your right; it is also a procedure with deadlines.
Rules differ by country. Treat this as a map of the common stages, then confirm the details with UNHCR or a licensed legal aid organisation where you are.
1. Say the word "asylum" early
You can ask for protection at a border post, at an airport, at a police station or at the national asylum authority. In many countries a claim made inside the country still counts, but late claims can be treated as less credible. Say clearly that you are applying for international protection.
2. Registration and your first documents
At registration you usually give your identity details, fingerprints and a short account of why you left. You should receive a proof-of-registration or applicant card. That card is often what gives you legal stay, access to health care and, for children, school enrolment.
- Keep every paper, even receipts and appointment slips.
- Photograph each document and email it to yourself.
- Report a change of address immediately — most refusals for "non-cooperation" start
- with a letter that never arrived.
3. Prepare for the eligibility interview
The interview is the core of the case. Decision-makers assess whether your account is detailed, consistent and plausible.
- Write a timeline of events with dates, places and names before the interview.
- Gather evidence: threats, medical or police reports, membership cards, photographs, news reports about your region.
- Ask for an interpreter in your own language, and for an interviewer of a specific gender if that matters for what you must describe. Both requests are normal.
- If you do not understand a question, say so. Correct any mistranslation on the spot.
4. The decision, and what to do if it is negative
A positive decision grants refugee status or a complementary form of protection. A negative decision almost always carries a short appeal deadline — sometimes only a few days. Find legal aid before that clock runs out; free counselling is offered by UNHCR partners, Caritas, the Danish Refugee Council, ASAM and many national bar associations.
Where to get free help
- UNHCR Help (help.unhcr.org) — country pages with local procedures and partners
- Asylum Information Database (AIDA) — country-by-country procedure summaries
- National refugee councils and law-clinic hotlines
- Our Survival Map, for verified free legal aid near you